Ultra-reliable with the boot to keep Wales in the game at the break, but caught out for Burrell’s score. Defended valiantly as always, and prevented a great try with his last-ditch tackle on Burrell in the second half.
Alex Cuthbert – 6
Much quieter than his last outing against England. His big-game potential deserted him, and exposed in defence for the second try.
Jonathan Davies – 5
Looked rusty, which isn’t surprising. Dropped the ball when Wales were on the attack and was unusually outpaced at times.
Jamie Roberts – 6
Tried to thunder his way over the England defence, but came up against an in-form Twelvetrees who was up to the task. Ran out of ideas soon after.
George North – 5
Unusully quiet, and butchered two clear chances to get the Welsh across the tryline.
Rhys Priestland – 6
Need to develop a ‘Plan B’ as Warren Gatland has put it when Wales’ bludgeoning tactic doesn’t work. Hauled off early and could lose his place to Biggar. 6
Rhys Webb – 5
looked star-struck on the big stage, as he was quickly warned by the referee for giving away penalties. Lost the ball in a good chance for Wales and left the field immediately after.
Gethin Jenkins – 5
Had success early, but was soon under pressure when Wilson and more importantly Romain Poite figured out his angling in at the scrum. His yellow card cost Wales, and he didn’t return after.
Richard Hibbard – 6
Carried the ball well and was a force in defence, but cracked under pressure at a crucial 5m lineout that led to Burrell’s try.
Adam Jones – 7
Gave Marler a hard fight in the scrum and got the better of Vunipola when he entered the affray. Struggled once England regrouped, but ultimately one of Wales’ better players.
Jake Ball – 6
Didn’t challenge enough of England’s ball in the air, but at 22 years old he can still develop. Left with 10 minutes to go when the game was lost. 6
Alun Wyn Jones – 6
Not as commanding as we are accustomed to, and knocked on when Wales were in the England 22m. 6
Dan Lydiate – 6
Tackled his heart out with his famed chop, but did little else in open field. Replaced by Tipuric, who has to ask what he has to do to get into the side.
Sam Warburton (c) – 6
His impact on the game was felt more in his conversations with the referee as his side fell short of his whistle time-again. Tackled well, but couldn’t get his hands on the ball to have an impact.
Taulupe Faletau – 6
Another who fell away when the game got tough. Faletau has shown his big match temperament in the past, but this wasn’t one of his better showings.
Best off the bench – Mike Phillips – 6
Brought control to the Wales possession and tried to lead the comeback by lifting the side.
